Judge Says ‘It’s Unfair’ to Hold Defendant Pending Trial

On April 10, DC Superior Court Judge Michael O’Keefe granted release for a non-fatal shooting defendant with specified conditions.

Jonah Harris, 47, and Gerald Jones-Hall, 24, are charged with conspiracy to rob while armed, two counts of assault with intent to kill while armed, and assault with intent to commit robbery while armed, among other charges, for their alleged involvement in the shooting and attempted robbery of two victims at the 1300 block of Good Hope Road, SE, on July 10, 2023. Both victims sustained non-life-threatening injuries.

Judge O’Keefe began by referencing a previous motion to sever with the stipulation that the co-defendants would remain joined on the condition that the prosecution not introduce a statement from Jones-Hall that allegedly places Harris at the scene of the incident.

During today’s hearing, Judge O’Keefe stated that the prosecution would be able to use other parts of the statement, but not the specific statement that connects both defendants.

The defense had previously filed a written a motion requesting release for Harris pending trial, as Hall-Jones was already on release.. The prosecution stated that given the nature of his offense, it would be impossible to ensure community safety.

Judge O’Keefe said he would grant Harris pretrial release because it was “unfair to hold him” for a year before his trial. As part of his release conditions, Judge O’Keefe ordered a stay-away order from the victims and the location of the offense.

A representative from the Pretrial Services Agency (PSA) also introduced a report that found Jones-Hall had tested positive for drugs. His attorney, Janai Reed, clarified that this came from a change in medication and not the use of any illegal substances.

“He tested positive because his mental health medication had changed,” Reed said. “There was no illicit use.”

Parties are set to reconvene April 4, 2025.

Testimony About ‘Rap Beef’ as Possible Motive for Murder

On April 9, DC Superior Court Judge Rainey Brandt heard testimony from a witness familiar with two co-conspirators, and evidence from forensic DNA technicians who explained their role in analyzing evidence in connection to a 2020 homicide case.

Koran Jackson, 23, Tyiion Kyree Freeman, 24, and Stephen Nelson, 33, are three of five individuals charged with multiple counts of conspiracy, assault with the intent to kill while armed, first-degree murder while armed, carrying a pistol without a license, and possession of a firearm during a crime of violence in connection to the fatal shooting of 13-year-old Malachi Lukes on March 1, 2020 on the 600 block of S Street, NW. The shooting also left a second juvenile victim located in the vicinity suffering from an apparent gunshot wound to the right leg.

The case also involves alleged co-conspirators Reginald Steele, 24, and Aaron Brown, 27.

Throughout the trial, the prosecution has attempted to connect Jackson, Freeman, and Nelson to additional shootings that occurred on Feb. 22, Feb. 24, and a second shooting on March 1, 2020. The prosecution alleges a firearm conspiracy by the defendants, in which they aimed to obtain and use specific weapons in Lukes’ homicide.

The prosecution brought in an individual who grew up with Steele and Freeman to testify about common slang used in the DC area.

According to the prosecution’s opening statement, the series of shootings allegedly committed by the defendants was an act of retaliation born from “rap beef”. The prosecution believes the feud of two groups from different DC neighborhoods over who was the true “Northwest Goon” rapper culminated in the death of rapper, Tahlil Byrd, 19

He was the victim of a fatal shooting on the 600 block of S Street, NW, Sept. 9, 2019. The prosecution alleges that the defendants were friends of Byrd and his family, and that their alleged shooting spree was an act of retaliation following Byrd’s killing.

The witness referred to Byrd as “the best rapper of us” as she told the prosecution that she had been friends with Byrd since childhood.

When the witness was asked about the feuds, she classified the competition between the neighborhoods as “rap entertainment.” When prosecution asked if the feud could be classified as beef, the witness called it “goofy sh*t.”

When asked if this “goofy stuff” could escalate, the witness stated bluntly that “If shots get fired, it’s what it is.”

In addition to being friends with Byrd, the witness testified that she knew Steele and that the three would hang out occasionally. The prosecution reaffirmed this by showing a photo of Steele which the witness had previously identified as “Gordo,” which means fat in Spanish and is alleged to be Steele’s rap name.”

Later in cross examination, Freeman’s defense attorney, Shawn Sukumar, asked how Byrd’s death impacted the witness and her community. While testifying that she had “mixed emotions” when Byrd died, the witness stated that Byrd was ultimately “ a good guy.”

The witness also admitted to knowing Freeman, identifying him as the father of her god-sister’s child. In conjunction with the witness’ testimony, prosecution presented another photo of Freeman with the witness’ written identification below it.

The witness agreed that the friendship of Freeman and Byrd resembled brothers.

When the prosecution asked the witness if Freeman was “affiliated” with any street group, the witness dismissed the term exclaiming that using words like “affiliated” or “claims” suggests “gang vibes”.

The witness said neighborhoods are simply “where you grew up at”. When the prosecution asked about the witness’ neighborhood she stated “ain’t nothing wrong with my neighborhood”.

The prosecution recalled a lead forensic DNA analyst to complete cross-examination regarding her results from testing items of evidence, and comparing them to DNA samples of Freeman, Steele, Jackson, Brown, and two other unidentified individuals.

During cross-examination with Andrew Ain, Freeman’s defense attorney, the lead analyst stated that her report showed that Freeman’s DNA was likely excluded from the items of evidence.

“Either he was visually excluded or not contributing to the profiles provided,” the witness said.

During cross-examination with Lisbeth Sapirstein, Nelson’s defense attorney, the witness confirmed that a reference DNA swab from Nelson was never sent for analysis in connection to the case.

The prosecution proceeded to call 10 DNA technologists from the same laboratory to authenticate the handling of evidence.

Each witness maintained that they followed quality control procedures in order to bias and cross-contamination.

Parties are slated to return April 10.

Judge Grants Release Request for Shooting Defendant

On April 10, DC Superior Court Judge Maribeth Raffinan granted a defendant’s motion for release.

Vann Allen, 25, is charged with assault with intent to kill while armed, aggravated assault knowingly while armed, assault with a dangerous weapon, and five counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, for his alleged involvement in a shooting incident on the 1400 block of Okie Street, NE, on Nov. 11, 2023. One individual sustained non-life-threatening injuries.

Allen’s defense attorney, Michelle Lockard, presented a bond review motion mentioning that Allen’s family has been facing eviction due to his imprisonment and lack of financial support. The defense also mentioned Allen has a job offer waiting for him.

Lockard argued that the prosecution’s evidence is weak, citing the victims’ statements to the police admitting they don’t know who shot them.

The prosecution opposed the request, saying they had two eyewitnesses, one of whom supposedly filmed the scene of the shooting. According to the prosecution, the video depicted a man wearing a white hat and a light-colored sweatshirt “running” from the scene. Police later arrested Allen who was wearing similar garments.

The prosecution finalized their argument by stating “employment didn’t stop this from happening in the first place,” insinuating that Allen’s new job opportunity does not make him any less of a threat to the community’s safety.

Upon further review Judge Raffinan granted the defense’s request to release Allen to home confinement. She based her decision on, “some ambiguity on the events of the shooting.”

Allen is set to remain on home confinement and on GPS monitoring. Additionally, the court ordered a stay-away order for the victim.

Parties are set to reconvene on May 14.

Shooting Defendant in Milk Crate Dispute Found Guilty

On April 8, a jury of 12 returned a guilty verdict for a non-fatal shooting defendant in the courtroom of DC Superior Court Judge Andrea Hertzfeld.

Diandre Caesar, 29, was originally charged with three counts of assault with a dangerous weapon, one count of second-degree cruelty to children, and three counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, among other charges, for his involvement in a shooting that occurred on June 28, 2022, on the 2200 block of New York Avenue, NE.

Throughout the trial, the prosecution provided the jury with surveillance footage of the shooting as well as several witnesses’ testimony, including an off-duty police officer and the two victims involved in a verbal altercation with Caesar.

Video surveillance showed Caesar throw a milk crate over a fence and into the drive-through lane of a McDonald’s while he was mowing the lawn of the nearby parking lot. The victim, who found his path blocked by the milk crate, exited his vehicle to throw it back over the fence. As he attempted to drive away, Caesar retrieved the milk crate and threw it back over the fence, striking the victim’s vehicle.

A verbal altercation ensued, in which the victim’s dash camera audio captured Caesar and the two victims in the car exchanging insults. When the victims drove away, Caesar followed their car to the exit, striking the vehicle repeatedly. He then fired four shots at the car as it drove down the road. The two victims’ infant child was in the backseat. No injuries were reported.

In closing statements, the prosecution reminded the jury of the victims’ infant child in the backseat, arguing that his actions showed disregard for human lives.

Caesar’s defense attorneys, Joseph Fay and Adrian Madsen, argued that Caesar was never seen with a firearm in his hand either by witness testimony or from video surveillance footage, and no firearm was ever recovered by police.

Following three-day deliberations, the jury of 12 found Caesar guilty of two counts of assault with a dangerous weapon and two counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, but acquitted him of all other charges.

Sentencing is scheduled for June 10.

‘There is Far More Than Probable Cause,’ Says Judge as Rules in Homicide Case

On April 9, DC Superior Court Judge Anthony Epstein found probable cause to bring co-defendants’ homicide cases to trial.

Dallas McKinney, 19, and Charles Owens, 24, are charged with first-degree murder while armed for their alleged involvement in the death of 10-year-old Arianna Davis on the 3700 block of Hayes Street, NE, on May 14, 2023.

According to court documents, Davis was in a vehicle with her family as they drove past a shootout when a stray bullet struck her. She was taken a hospital where she died on May 17.

In the hearing, the prosecution introduced a detective from the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD), who acted as the lead detective of this case, as a witness.

The detective used Instagram records received from. the Meta social media company, regarding an account that is allegedly connected to McKinney.

The prosecution then showed a video of McKinney that was archived from the day of the shooting apparently wearing the same clothes that one of the shooters was seen wearing in surveillance footage of the incident.

During cross examination, McKinney’s defense attorney, Rachel McCoy, confirmed with the detective that the only evidence identifying McKinney as one of the shooters was his clothes. She noted that these are common articles of clothing with nothing distinctive about them–a blue shirt, ripped jeans, and white shoes.

She stated that pictures and videos can be taken a certain day and later posted on Instagram with that date instead.

Owens’ defense attorney, Stephen LoGerfo used the affidavit written by the detective to support his argument that witnesses at the scene never identified Owens as one of the shooters.

Both defense attorneys asked Judge Epstein not to find probable cause, arguing the individuals identified as the defendants were wearing common clothing, as shown on poor quality surveillance footage. They also voiced that the “only connection is assumption.”

However, Judge Epstein stated “There is far more than probable cause.”

Judge Epstein agreed with McCoy when she argued that there was nothing distinctive about the clothing items the individual identified as McKinney was wearing, noting that none of the items are distinctive by themselves, but argued that they are distinctive when they are worn together.

McCoy requested McKinney be released, stating he has ample support in the community and the DC Jail does not provide him resources he needs as he awaits his trial. She requested he be released to home confinement.

Judge Epstein denied the release, following the prosecution’s opposition in which they deemed McKinney a danger to the community.

LoGerfo did not make arguments for Owens’ release.

Parties are set to return June 21.

Document: MPD Makes Two Arrests and Seeks Additional Suspects in a Northeast Shooting

The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) announced two suspects were arrested in connection to a shooting that occurred on April 8 on the 1500 block of North Capitol Street, NE. MPD seeks the public’s assistance in locating additional suspects.

According to MPD documents, officers responded to the location for the report of a shooting, where they located an adult female shooting victim, who had been occupying a stolen vehicle when she was shot. She was transported to a local hospital for treatment of non-life-threatening injuries. An additional adult female was treated at a local hospital and receiving treatment for non-life-threatening injuries.

The investigation revealed that two suspects were involved in an argument that escalated when they both brandished firearms and shot at each other.

The occupants of the stolen vehicle, 23-year-old Sydney Johnson, and 19-year-old Makayla Robinson were arrested and charged with unauthorized use of a vehicle.

MPD is seeking to identify the suspect, captured by surveillance footage, that was involved in the shooting.

Document: MPD Arrests Man Wanted for Southeast Shooting

The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) announced the arrest of an individual in connection to a non-fatal shooting that occurred on April 5 on the 1700 block of Fairlawn Avenue, SE.

According to MPD documents, officers responded to the location for the report of a shooting. They located an adult female shooting victim, who was transported to a local hospital for treatment of non-life-threatening injuries.

On April 9, 47-year-old Michael Osuwu-Sakyi was arrested and charged with assault with a dangerous weapon.

Document: MPD Arrests 16-Year-Old in Brookland Metro Station Homicide

The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) announced a juvenile was arrested and charged in connection to the Brookland Metro Station shooting that killed 14-year-old Avion Evans on April 4 on the 800 block of Monroe Street, NE.

According to MPD documents, officers responded to the location for the report of a shooting. They located Evans suffering from a gunshot wound. Despite all life saving efforts, he succumbed to his injuries at the scene.

As a result of the detectives’ investigation and a DC Superior Court custody order, a 16-year-old male was arrested and charged with second-degree murder while armed.

Document: MPD Makes an Arrest and Seeks Additional Suspects in Southwest Shooting

The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) announced a man was arrested in connection to a non-fatal shooting that occurred on April 7 on the 4400 block of Martin Luther King Jr. Avenue, SW.

According to MPD documents, officers responded to the location for the report of a shooting, where they located evidence of the shooting but no victims. A short time later, four adult gunshot wound victims were located. All victims were treated at local hospitals for non-life-threatening injuries.

The detectives’ investigation determined that one of the victims was one of the shooting suspects. Jason Dyer, 23, was arrested and charged with assault with intent to kill.

Five firearms were recovered from the scene.

One of the suspects’ vehicles, described as a four-door white Dodge Charger with unknown tags, was captured by nearby surveillance camera.

MPD offers a reward to anyone that provides information which leads to the arrest and conviction of the person or persons responsible for each violent crime in the District.

Judge Cites ‘Judicial Economy’ in Ruling Against Severance in a Murder Case

On April 9, DC Superior Court Judge Maribeth Raffinan denied a homicide defendant’s request to sever his case from a co-defendant.

Rafeal Stevens, 39, and Jermall Johnson, 40, are charged with premeditated first-degree murder while armed, attempted robbery – felony murder, five counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, and unlawful possession of a firearm, among other charges, for their alleged involvement in the shooting death of 50-year-old Aniekobo Umoh on Dec. 29, 2022, on the 2700 block of 7th Street, NE.

Johnson’s attorney, Stephen LoGerfo, previously filed a motion to sever, alleging that Stevens could present exculpatory evidence through testimony, in relation to the felony murder charge. LoGerfo and Stevens’ attorney, Jason Tulley, both made private representations to Judge Raffinan in relation to the prospective testimony.

The court found the testimony for the felony murder charge to be exculpatory and stated that the proffer provided by both attorneys displayed sufficient evidence regarding Johnson’s state of mind during the alleged robbery.

However, the judge did not find Stevens’ testimony exculpatory regarding Johnson’s state of mind about the first-degree murder charge. Judge Raffinan stated that the motion to sever was denied for the first-degree murder charge.

Judge Raffinan also stressed the impact a separate trial would have on the “judicial economy”, in relation to recalling witnesses, a separate jury, and space on the calendar.

Following the ruling, the prosecution alerted the court of their plans to dismiss the addendum of felony murder attached to the robbery charge, to enable Johnson and Stevens to be tried together for first-degree murder.

The prosecution stated that they intend to try both defendants together, and the trial will move as planned in November.

A status hearing is scheduled for July 12.

Judge Denies Request to Sever Homicide Co-Defendants’ Case

On April 9, DC Superior Court Judge Anthony Epstein denied release and refused to sever a murder suspect’s case from his co-defendant’s.

Darius Robertson, 29, and Antonio Hensley, 30, are charged with second-degree murder while armed for their alleged involvement in the death of 33-year-old Andre Robertson. The incident occurred on the 5300 block of Clay Terrace, NE on Oct. 1, 2021.

According to court documents, Darius and Andre are cousins.

Michael Madden, Robertson’s defense attorney, filed two motions to sever the cases, in which he stated that Robertson would like to call Hensley as a witness, arguing that “the co-defendant [Hensley] would offer testimony that would be exculpatory” regarding Robertson.

The motion continued also said, “[T] he defendant [Robertson] has a good faith basis to believe [Hensley’s] testimony would contradict the [prosecution’s] expected evidence…”

Madden also filed a motion stating they should be severed due to Hensley’s attorneys, Kevann Gardner and Terrence Austin, withdrawing from the case, causing the trial scheduled for April 22 to be delayed.

Madden argued against delaying the trial, and stated if Judge Epstein delayed it Robertson should be released.

The prosecution opposed the request for release, deeming Robertson a “danger to any community.”

Judge Epstein denied the motion to sever, deeming it unnecessary to use the same evidence being presented in both cases. Additionally, he argued Hensley would have to go to trial first, delaying Robertson’s trial by years.

Judge Epstein also denied the motion for release, citing Judge Milton Lee’s previous ruling, which stated there were no conditions of release that would guarantee the community’s safety with Robertson’s release.

Parties are set to return April 26.

Document: MPD Seeking Man Wanted for Southeast Shooting

The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) is seeking the public’s assistance in location 47-year-old Michael Owusu-Sakyi in connection to a non-fatal shooting that occurred on April 5 on the 1700 block of Fairlawn Avenue, SE.

The suspect was identified as Owusu-Sakyi, and he is wanted on a DC Superior Court arrest warrant charging him with assault with a dangerous weapon.

A photo of the suspect can be seen in the document below.

Anyone with knowledge of his whereabouts should contact police.

Document: MPD Arrests a Teen in a Southeast Shooting

The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) announced they arrested a juvenile in connection to a shooting that occurred on April 5 on the 500 block of 13th Street, SE.

According to MPD documents, the suspect approached the victim at the location, shot them, and fled the scene in a vehicle. The victim was transported to a local hospital for the treatment of non-life-threatening injuries.

On April 8, a 16-year-old male turned himself in. He was arrested pursuant to a DC Superior Court custody order, and charged with assault with a dangerous weapon.

The detectives’ investigation revealed the victim and suspect were known to one another.

Document: MPD Arrests Two Teens for Discharging a Firearm

The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) announced two juveniles were arrested for their alleged involvement in a non-fatal shooting that occurred on April 7 on the 300 block of Delafield Place, NW.

According to MPD documents, officers responded to the location for the report of a burglary and sounds of gunshots. They encountered two male juveniles, one of which was in possession of a shotgun. Officers safely placed both teens under arrest. The investigation revealed the shotgun had been fired.

No one was injured.

Two 14-year-old males were arrested. One was charged with unlawful discharge of a firearm and the other with possession of an unregistered firearm.

One of them was also charged with robbery in connection to an offense that occurred on Feb. 27 on the 6300 block of 5th Street, NW.

Prosecutors to Add a Co-Defendant After Homicide Suspect’s Arraignment

On April 9, before DC Superior Court Judge Micheal O’Keefe, a homicide defendant pleaded not guilty during arraignment, and prosecutors claimed a co-defendant will be added to the case.

Jadohn Bracey, 24, is charged with first-degree murder while armed premeditated, three counts of possession of firearm during crime of violence, two counts of assault with intent to kill while armed, and unlawful possession of a firearm by a prior convict, for his alleged involvement in the fatal shooting of 41-year-old Angela Washington, who was on-duty as a special police officer. The incident occurred on Sept. 21, 2021 at 3300 block of 10th Place, SE.

Bracey’s attorney, Pierce Suen, alerted the court he was pleading not guilty and asserted Bracey’s rights, including his constitutional right to a speedy trial.

During the hearing, the prosecution alerted the judge and the defense that they are awaiting the transfer of another suspect from Prince George’s County, who will be added to the case as a co-defendant.

The prosecution intends on having the co-defendant transferred to the DC Jail by next week.

Parties are slated to return Oct. 18.

Search